Flights to Budapest

Budapest is, without a doubt, one of the coolest destinations in Europe. A lot of people compare it to Prague – another city that’s got post-Communism appeal, rapidly gentrifying neighbourhoods, trendy lounges housed in derelict buildings, and boutiques that feature cutting edge fashion and art. As soon as your flight to Budapest touches down, you'll know you've arrived in a city that's constantly evolving from historic destination to hip hangout for the young and stylish.

For anyone with even a passing interest in architecture, the Hungarian capital is a delight, full of beautiful buildings ranging in styles from Baroque to Art Nouveau to neoclassical to super modern. Strolling the banks of the Danube River, with Castle Hill in the distance, you can get a fantastic sense of the history that Budapest has experienced. Its golden age was at the turn of the 20th century, when many of the city’s most gorgeous edifices were constructed.

It’s not all history, though. New neighbourhoods that should be on your ‘to visit’ list include Józsefváros, the Eighth District, which has been regentrified into a cultural focal point for the city, packed with galleries and restaurants.

Eating in Budapest is an eye-opening yet leisurely experience. Restaurants run the gamut from self-service cafeterias to high-end splurges, and Hungarian food is varied and rich. The city has received a growing number of Michelin stars, and new restaurants are opening all the time. Desserts, particularly the classic Hungarian treats, are world-class, and the locals spend plenty of time in cafes, appreciating them with gusto.

The best hotels in Budapest are a varied lot: some small, some big, some pricey, some cheap. Location is important – try to find somewhere close to public transportation if you’re opting to stay outside the city centre. A couple of the newest hotels have an art focus, with their own galleries and eye-catching designs. Older places have a more demure look but can be surprisingly luxurious. And hostels, which are plentiful, are generally of a high standard.

In essence, to experience Budapest's emergence as a top world destination is truly a fascinating journey. Come to Budapest and immerse yourself in the up-and-coming.

What to do in Budapest

Visit Szimpla Kért

The “ruin pub” trend in Budapest’s Seventh District – derelict buildings that have been taken over and re-opened as lounges – began with Szimpla, the first to open and still one of the best. It was once a factory, and it’s huge. Join the locals and chill out in the big garden.

14 Kazinczy
+36 20 261 8669

See some art at W.A.M.P.

Budapest’s weekly design market, W.A.M.P., showcases the best of local design and each week the theme changes, from fashion to food to kids’ stuff. It takes place on Sunday at least one a month at a various locations – season depending – around town, including the Millenáris park area.

Millenáris
Erzsébet tér 9
1051
+36 1 797 7090

Challengeland

For families travelling to Budapest with children, Challengeland makes for a fun day out. Also sometimes referred to as Kalandpálya, it’s essentially a giant zip-line playground in the leafy Buda Hills. Perfect for active types of all ages, there’s a climbing wall, an underground labyrinth and a canopy walk to explore.

Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 21
Buda Hills
1121
+36 20 599 8501

Where to eat in Budapest

Central Market Hall (Food hall)

One of the world’s great food halls, this stunning building houses an incredible number of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to local sausages and cheese. Walk around, snacking as you go, and grab some Hungarian paprika to take home as souvenir.

1-3 Vámház körút
1093
+36 1 366 3300

Lumen Kávézó (Cafe)

You can find excellent coffee at Lumen, where the beans are roasted in-house. There's a gallery space too, and the cafe hosts mini-exhibitions of photographs and video art by locals. It’s a good place to get a sense of how the city’s art scene is growing.

Café Kör (Hungarian bistro)

Classic Hungarian food done right is the ethos behind Café Kör, and it’s a good one. Packed every night with locals, the bistro does excellent steak tartare and goose liver pate. The exquisite desserts, including the somlói galuska, a Hungarian trifle of chocolate and cream, are well worth the calories.

17 Sas utca
1051
+36 1 311 0053

Places to stay in Budapest

Lánchíd 19

This city centre hotel has just 48 rooms, all with trendy design touches like bedside lamps shaped like giant light bulbs. You'll find it on the banks of the Danube River and adjacent to the Chain Bridge. It's easy to spot: the hotel’s facade, covered with louvered windows and LED lights, changes colour after dark.

19 Lánchíd utc
1013
+36 1 457 1200

Gerlóczy Rooms de Lux

This gorgeous boutique hotel has a great location in the historic city centre, and the building itself dates back to 1892. There are just 19 rooms, situated above a lively cafe, with Art Deco decor and modern conveniences like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

1 Gerlóczy utca
1052
+36 1 5014 000

Butterfly Home

Everyone who stays at Butterfly Home raves about the service – this guesthouse is family-run and the owners do everything they can to make your stay comfortable. Cosy rooms, a quiet location, and lots of little conveniences make this a top choice if you like the personal touch.

3 Képíró utca
1053
+36 30 964 7287

Find cars

The minimum age for a driver is 21. Please check the terms and conditions of your car hire for extra charges for drivers under the age of 30.

Pickup location

All locations

No results found

Pickup

Pickup Time

Select hour

:

Select minutes

Drop-off location

All locations

No results found

Drop-off

Dropoff Time

Select hour

:

Select minutes

Drop off at a different location.

Articles from Open Skies

Budapest

Considered by many to be one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, the Hungarian capital was once two separate cities, Buda and Pest, which were unified in 1873. Despite Budapest’s relatively short history, the city boasts a rich and vibrant history reflected in the many cultural attractions for tourists to enjoy. World Heritage sites blend with a multitude of dining and shopping options, as well as extensive hot water baths, to create a city full of welcome surprises.Read more Budapest

Flights from India to Budapest

Flights from India to Budapest

Flights from India to Budapest

Most popular destinations from Budapest (BUD)

Emirates offers flights to Budapest (BUD) and 141 other destinations. Below you’ll find a selection of our flight destinations to spark your interest. Get inspired and plan and book your next flight or holiday. With Emirates you’ll experience the most comfortable flight across our cabin classes. And we continually get the best reviews for onboard service. Whether you fly Economy Class, Business Class or First Class, fly with us for a great way to travel.